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Pinnipeds - Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus)

The Steller sea lion is the largest member of the Otariid (eared seal) family. Males may be up to 11 ft in length and can weigh up to 2,400 lb. Females are smaller than males, 7.5-9.5 ft in length and up to 770 lb. Males and females are light buff to reddish brown and slightly darker on the chest and abdomen; naked parts of the skin are black. Wet animals usually appear darker than dry ones. Steller sea lions have large eyes to help see in low light conditions. Pups are about 3 ft in length and 35-50 lbs at birth and grow to about 65-90 lbs after 6-10 weeks. Pups are dark brown to black until 4 to 6 months old when they molt to a lighter brown. By the end of their second year, pups have taken on the same pelage color as adults.

NMML researchers brand Steller sea lions and re-sight branded animals over their lifespan to describe patterns in survival and reproduction, which are needed to develop a species-specific population growth models. Photos of branded and tagged animals help researchers identify unique animals from year to year.

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